ICAC ‘considering’ investigation into decision to arrest Constable Zach Rolfe

The anti-corruption watchdog is considering investigating the events leading up to Constable Zach Rolfe being charged with murder.

INDEPENDENT Commissioner Against Corruption Michael Riches is considering launching an investigation into the events leading up to Constable Zach Rolfe being charged with murder.

In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Riches said he did not conduct inquiries into the matter during the trial, which ended on Friday with Const. Rolfe being acquitted.

“I am presently considering whether I should inquire into the circumstances of the investigation and arrest of Mr Rolfe,” he said.

“While I appreciate the public interest in the matter I will not be rushed to decide whether or not I will investigate.”

Mr Riches’ predecessor Ken Fleming stepped aside from an ICAC investigation into the Yuendumu shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker in 2019.

Mr Fleming referred himself to ICAC Inspector Bruce McClintock SC after his office received complaints about comments he made at a protest rally.

In the statement on Tuesday, Mr Riches said he was “not aware of any investigative steps taken by the Office of the ICAC between 15 November 2019 and my commencement on 6 July 2021”.

Mr Fleming stood aside from the investigation on November 19, handing the investigation over to major crime investigators, lawyers and specialist experts.

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